Montage Of Clips Shows Trump Has Disavowed White Supremacist Groups For Years

President Donald Trump disavowed hate groups Monday in response to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, surrounding an alt-right rally over the weekend, and it turns out his distaste for such groups is of long standing despite the chorus of critics who have condemned his supposedly lukewarm position.

One person was killed and 19 injured when a car driven by a white supremacist plunged into a crowd of counter-protesters.

While many have criticized Trump for an insufficiently specific condemnation of Saturday’s rally and violence, one social media user created a montage of clips showing Trump has disavowed hateful ideologies and leaders of any groups associated with such hatred for years.

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“I wish @POTUS @realDonaldTrump would just be clear on whether he denounces the KKK … I gotta do all the work for you,” said A.D. Whitman, who also uploaded the video clips of numerous Trump interviews during which he disavowed violence and hatred.

Trump denounced hate groups Monday during a brief announcement at the White House, using more precision than he had over the weekend.

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“Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans,” Trump said.

Giving his remarks in the diplomatic reception room at the White House following a meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Chris Wray, Trump announced that a federal investigation of Saturday’s events has been launched.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence,” Trump said. “It has no place in America.”

Trump specifically named Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old woman who was killed by the speeding car.

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“Her death fills us with grief, and we send her family our thoughts, our prayers, and our love,” Trump said.

Trump paid his respects to the two police officers — Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates — who died in a helicopter crash during a law enforcement response to the violence.

“These three fallen Americans embody the goodness and decency of our nation,” Trump said. “In times such as these, America has always shown its true character — responding to hate with love, division with unity and violence with an unwavering resolve for justice.”

Vice President Mike Pence, first daughter Ivanka Trump, and first lady Melania Trump disavowed white supremacist groups following the rally.